Thriving in Ministry: Sanctuary Cohorts

Pepperdine University has received a grant of approximately $1 million from the Lilly
Endowment to participate in their Thriving in Ministry Initiative, an effort to help
ministers working in their congregations flourish in their roles as pastoral leaders.

Pepperdine's participation in this initiative is led by Mike Cope, director of ministry
outreach. "Every occupation has its challenges, but there are some unique twists that
come along for ministers," said Cope, who has spent 35 years of his life in the ministry
profession. "We're grateful to Lilly for allowing us in Pepperdine's Office of Church
Relations to expand our efforts to become a resource for ministers and their churches
as they seek to live joyfully and meaningfully."

Each year, a small group of Church of Christ ministers in a specific region will be
invited by the Office of Church Relations to participate in a Sanctuary cohort, meeting
with each other and learning from outside professionals and consultants in order to
thrive in their ministry.

Thriving in Ministry builds upon recent studies that examined the common professional
and personal challenges pastors face, including the Lilly-funded Flourishing in Ministry
research project, directed by Matt Bloom at the University of Notre Dame.

"We have received many reports from pastors about the changing demands of serving
as a pastoral leader today," said Christopher L. Coble, the Endowment's vice president
for religion. "Many pastors are seeking to find role models and wise colleagues who
can guide them through professional transitions and challenges encountered in particular
ministry contexts. Our hope is that the initiative will support a new wave of efforts
that help clergy thrive and lead their congregations more effectively."

Lilly Endowment Inc. is a philanthropic foundation created in 1937 by three members
of the Lilly family—J. K. Lilly, Sr., and sons J. K., Jr. and Eli—through gifts of
stock in their pharmaceutical business, Eli Lilly and Company. While those gifts remain
the financial bedrock of the Endowment, the Endowment is a separate entity from the
company, with a distinct governing board, staff, and location. In keeping with the
founders' wishes, the Endowment supports the causes of community development, education
and religion and maintains a special commitment to its hometown, Indianapolis, and
home state, Indiana.